Tag: amreading
Let it Snow : Book Review/Recommendation
December is just around the corner and my heart is lit up like a Christmas tree because it’s time for all the snowy, holiday romances to serenade me while I sit ensconced in a warm quilt, with a cup of hot chocolate and “I am dreaming of a white Christmas” playing in the background. (Yes, I am the queen of long sentences. If I ever decide to write a book, my editor would be in for quite a tough ride)
Anywhoooo, I cannot go on without spreading a little cheer. So, if you’re like me with a warm, toasted and slightly melted marshmallow of a heart, I have a beautiful book recommendation for you! You might remember this one from it’s cover release that I posted some time back! Well, I went ahead and read it because the cover had me hooked.
It’s called Let it Snow by Cassie Cross and here’s my no-spoiler (well, a little spoiler), honest-to-god review.
It has got, in no particular order:
- Best friends (adorable ones at that) growing to realise they’re in love but scared of sabotaging their friendship.
- A road trip of dreams.
- Cut short by a blizzzzard ensuing in being snowed in, in a nondescript town.
My only complaint from this book is that the character descriptions at the very beginning are too stereotypical. We have the ex-jock (career ended due to an injury), muscular, handsome, knows-how-to-cook guy who loves to take care of his best friend, one who forgets to eats veggies, is stuck in an overworked, underpaid situation and loves all things Christmasy.
Other than that, I am happy to report that the Grinch’s heart really did grow three sizes on reading this. It is definitely a good way to get into the holiday spirit!
Please let me know if you do read it so that I can discuss it with you, because eeeeeep, ’tis the season to be jolly.
(People looking for a longer, detailed review can please email me. I did not know how to write more without spoiling anymore of the story here.)
Book Cover Reveal : Let It Snow by Cassie Cross
Halloween’s over and done with. All the tricks for 2020 seem to be exhausted. All that’s left are treats and more treat as the festive season approaches. Yes, I can be found singing Christmas Carols in the middle of the day while arranging my favourite snowy, holiday-ey movie playlists. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas too?
Well, then I have a little treat for you along with some well earned Christmas cheer.Today we have the cover reveal for Cassie Cross’ Let It Snow!
Continue reading “Book Cover Reveal : Let It Snow by Cassie Cross”Book Excerpt Reveal: Stefanie London’s Kissing Lessons
It’s been a minute since I’ve posted about my first love, books. What better way to restart than a light-hearted romance read!
Today , as part of an excerpt tour, I bring to you Stefanie London’s KISSING LESSONS! Check out this gorgeous new romance below and keep your eyes peeled for an honest review by next weekend.
Title: Kissing London
Author: Stefanie London
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About Kissing Lessons:
Welcome to Kissing Creek, where everything has a romance-themed pun for a name and love is lurking around every corner…
Audrey Miller doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after, so she is definitely living in the wrong town. But she’s never getting out of Kissing Creek, because playing pseudo-mom for her younger siblings doesn’t leave time for much else. She’ll do anything to make sure they don’t end up stuck like she is, working as a barista in a college town, serving Pink Passion mochas with Chocolate Smooch donuts.
Then Ronan Walsh, a new young professor and walking cliché, right down to the elbow patches on his blazer, steps in for a coffee and into her life. She knows his type—intelligent and charming, yet sweet as a cinnamon roll, the sort of man she’s inevitably attracted to but is always out of her league. So why does someone like him have any interest in a worker bee with no future?
Her bland-as-oatmeal existence has nothing to offer, but Ronan’s temporary teaching position is only a stepping stone on his way to somewhere else. He isn’t here to put down roots, Audrey’s roots are firmly planted—neither of them is looking for love. And maybe that’s just perfect.
But in a small town called Kissing Creek, sometimes love can be impossible to avoid…
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Exclusive Excerpt:
Audrey cocked her head. “You know, we’ve been warned about people like you.”
“People posing as professors.” She waggled her finger at him and made a teasing, tutting sound.
“Posing?” Ronan literally studied the very things which made people who they are—the very fiber of their motivations and morals. He would never scam someone. But this wasn’t the first time someone had questioned him because he was younger than average. “I’m a professor at Harrison Beech College. I don’t have my faculty card yet, that’s all.”
“You really thought you could get one past me by trying to look the part?” She shook her head. “The elbow patches were a good attempt, but don’t you think they’re a little cliché?”
Now she was insulting his fashion choices? He blinked. “What’s wrong with elbow patches?”
“It’s like you Googled ‘what do professors wear?’ and then bought the first thing you saw.” She bit down on her lip as if stifling a laugh.
Everyone was looking at him now, but Ronan had always been impervious to embarrassment. Maybe it was years of growing up with his Irish grandmother who was as blunt as a hammer.
Although he had Googled that exact question on his first day as a professor in his late twenties. He’d been more insecure back then, feeling the age gap between him and his colleagues and his lack of life experience like a weight around his neck. These days he’d learned to hold his own, academically and personally.
And he damn well liked his elbow patches.
About Stefanie London:
Stefanie London is a multi award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies.
Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “Elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader’s Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.
Originally from Australia, Stefanie now lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is currently in the process of doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.
Connect with Stefanie:
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Book Review: Don’t Go Stealing My Heart
Thank God for books during quarantine! Better still, thank God for quirky, feel good, romance books during quarantine.
Kelly Siskind’s Don’t Go Stealing My Heart will do just that. Steal your heart and leave you wanting for more. This modern day, role-reversed, retelling of Robin Hood will have you hooked from the very get-go. The protagonist, Clementine (love the name!), is a cat burglar (love the game!) who unwittingly forms a bond with her intended target. While she wants to steal a painting in his possessions, with the aim of redistributing wealth to the needy, he’s pulling out all the stops to steal her heart. Oh, what a whirlwind romance in the town of Whichway! Because, read it any which way, it will leave you bewitched.
What piqued my interest was how this book boldly turned every trope on i’s head with the guy’s car breaking down in the middle of the road and the girl coming to the rescue with all her knowledge of cars (and hot-wiring them, of course!). Moreover, the supposed trust fund brat turns out to have a heart of gold while the weather beaten, growing up in foster homes, cold and distant burglar experiences a thawing of the heart. What’s not to love?
Don’t just take my word for it though, here’s a little looksey into the book:
She wants to steal his Van Gogh. He wants to steal her heart.
Some people would call Clementine Abernathy a criminal. She considers herself a modern day Robin Hood, who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Not exactly on the up-and-up, but she knows what it’s like to lose everything. Her latest heist involves swiping a priceless Van Gogh from its owner, who’s supposed to be an egotistical trust-fund brat.
Turns out Jack David is a sexy, kind-hearted man…and Clementine is in trouble. Falling for her mark would make her the World’s Dumbest Conwoman, but Jack is charmingly persistent, always singing sweet songs in her ear.
And that earth-shattering kiss? She never stood a chance.
Now she’s imagining a fresh start with this dashing man, but that means telling Jack about her past. And other nefarious sorts are after the same painting. Too soon, Clementine learns what it means to risk it all for love
➣ Read it Now!
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AUTHOR INFORMATION:
A small-town girl at heart, Kelly moved from the city to enjoy the charm of northern Ontario. When she’s not out hiking with her husband or home devouring books, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head.
Her novels have been published internationally.
Website: https://www.kellysiskind.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorKellySiskind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellySiskind
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellysiskind/
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3alcDxS
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/kellysiskind/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/34SkWjq
*Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book in return for an honest review*
Happee Birthday, Harry
Twenty two years ago, a scrawny preteen with broken, taped together glasses, messy jet black hair and deep, green eyes along with a bunch of misfit, bullied friends entered my life. And changed it forever.
From dear Harry, I learnt its not our circumstances, upbringing or misfortunes that shape our character. It’s our choices. We can choose to be loyal, to give love, to be brave beyond one’s years and to always, always be kind. Thank you, Harry, for teaching me how to look at life.
From wise Hermione, I learnt that it’s okay to be a nerd and yet care about my appearance, at times. To look beyond books and cleverness, to appreciate friendship and bravery. To be the brightest among my peers and yet not forget to help the less privileged. Thank you, Hermione, for teaching a girl to not hide her intelligence behind a facade of dumbness, to embrace one’s true self and live the motto of nerd and proud.
From Ronald Bilius Weasley, I learnt playing the second fiddle doesn’t have to result in bitterness. Not getting recognition or top billing does not mean one shouldn’t do what’s right. Yes, it’s okay to be selfish at times and yearn for things you’ve always be denied. To not be considered special as a general rule(E.g., not being the only girl in your family or even coming third in this list). Because when push comes to shove, your bravery and sacrifice will outshine all your critics. Till my dying breath I’d declare, Weasley is our King! Thank you, Ron, for your devotion and selflessness, for teaching the importance of all the hard work which goes behind the scenes when the show must go on.
From Luna, I learnt that it’s okay to be different. To fiercely embrace your individuality even if it’s slightly off the beaten path. To know that the things we most desire will come to us, even if not in the way we expected them to. Thank you Luna, for teaching me to believe in my own convictions. To see things beyond what’s readily visible and to empathise.
From Neville, I learnt hard work, strength and resilience. Resilience to face my biggest and deepest fears everyday till I can overcome them. Strength to look adversity in the eye and not let it pull you back. Hard work to make up for any shortcomings I might have. Thank you Neville, for showing me to always do the right thing and have enough bravery to back it up with.
From Dobby, I learnt it’s not our stature but our deeds which live on long after we’re gone. Even a tiny thing can leave a lasting impact. It’s not important how much you can contribute to a cause, it’s important that you do. Thank you Dobby, for freeing my mind from it’s self imposed shackles. You shall forever remain a friend and a free elf.
From the mischievous Marauders, I learnt that heroes come from every walk of life. Theres a time for fun and games and there’s a time to take a stand. We live on in the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind. Thank you, Moony, Prongs and Padfoot (I probably will never forgive Wormtail for his betrayal) for giving me a safe place and father figures to adore.
From Hagrid, I learnt you can make your own family wherever you are and give them unconditional love, be it mankind or animals. Thank you, Hagrid, for teaching me humanity.
From Dumbledore and McGonagall, I learnt about the positive influence good teachers/educators can have in one’s life. The nobility of this profession is not entirely lost. They are, rightly, our gurus and guardians. Thank you, Professors, for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Twenty two years ago, I opened a book and the rest, as they say, is history. Thank you, Joanne Kathleen Rowling, for helping mould my life. I know Hogwarts will always be there to welcome me home.
P.S. I solemnly swear I’m upto no good.
#BookReview : Stealing Vengeance by Kaylea Cross
In Norse mythology, valkyrie (/vælˈkɪəri, –ˈkaɪri, vɑːl-, ˈvælkəri/;[1] from Old Norse valkyrja “chooser of the slain”) is one of a host of female figures who choose those who may die in battle and those who may live. More recently, in the Marvel Universe, we saw them as Asgard’s mighty horde of female warriors. Needless to say, being a female and a feminist to boot, I’ve always been intrigued by this term (of course, the Tom Cruise movie on the Valkyrie protocol on the death of Hitler was another major factor). But FEMALE WARRIORS CHOOSING WHO LIVES AND WHO DIES, what’s not to love!
Thus, when I was approached by Kaylea Cross’s publicists to review her latest offering, Stealing Vengeance, about a top secret government program turning orphan girls into elite spies, very fittingly called the Valkyrie, I was immediately hooked. I put on my reading glasses and dived into a world of government conspiracies, a female force to be reckoned with, bodies dropping like flies, spying and counter spying, bloodthirst, betrayal and of course, righteous vengeance.
My love for Sir Ian Fleming, Dame Agatha Christie, Arthur Hailey, Alistair McLean and their ilk have upped my standards for thrillers, spies and whodunnits. I am pleased to report that Stealing Vengeance checks all the boxes in my strict list of ‘things that will make me read every book in this series’.
Kaylea Cross effortlessly weaves a crisp tale of pain and love interspersed with a deadly hunt where the best laid plans go awry and the best of intentions may be misguided. She makes us love the Valkyrie, despite the nature of their work, and loathe the Government for ‘creating’ them out of innocent children in the most brutal of ways for their self-serving purpose. And once their dirty task was done, the elite became dispensable. Left to fend for themselves, a saga of sisterhood, loyalty and romance is lived by these incredible women. Not to mention, I really like how the women take centre stage here despite the presence of strong, powerful men and how their characters are so beautifully depicted that they are in awe of these women rather than nursing bruised egos or asserting male dominance while saving damsels in distress. All in all, Stealing Vengeance makes me want to read all the previous titles in the main series while awaiting the sequel to come out. Ms. Cross, I urge you to hurry.
I don’t usually give ratings but I would go out on a limb and give this one 4.5/5 as it stands out amongst its genre. However, you don’t just have to take my word for it – here’s a sneak peak into the book for your eyes only!
Book Blurb:
She’s an expert at getting into places she doesn’t belong.
The government created Megan, transforming her into a Valkyrie—a deadly operative only whispered about in certain circles. They took everything from her and made her into a weapon. Now someone is leaking secret information about her sisters-in-arms, betraying them for money. Loyal Unto Death is the Valkyrie motto. So when Megan is recruited to find who leaked the files, she takes the high-risk assignment. Even if it means working with the man who betrayed her trust long ago. Even if it means giving her life. Because she’ll do whatever it takes to find justice.
But this is one situation she can’t escape from on her own.
Tyler Bergstrom never forgot the resourceful woman who escaped during the toughest phase of SERE school. So when he learns the stunning truth about her and his unwitting part in her past, he volunteers to work alongside Megan for a chance at redemption. Except she doesn’t want a partner. Doesn’t want to let anyone into her life, including him—hell, especially him. Yet whether she likes it or not, for this mission they’re partners. Now it’s a race against the clock to bring down the shadowy figure targeting Valkyries. But the threat goes deeper than they ever imagined. No one is safe. And if they can’t overcome the past and learn to trust each other, they’re both dead.
Today we are celebrating the release of a brand new romantic suspense title from Kaylea Cross. STEALING VENGEANCE is available now, and you will not want to miss this series! Be sure to follow Kaylea for exclusive updates about the book and the brand new Vengeance series.
Join Kaylea’s Reader Group for Exclusive News!
Stealing Vengeance (Vengeance Series, #1)
Available Now
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Purchase in Paperback
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PREORDER THE NEXT BOOK IN THE VENGEANCE SERIES
Releasing July 30
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AUTHOR INFORMATION:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
FIND KAYLEA CROSS:
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#Book #CoverReveal : Orphan Dreamer and the Missing Arrowhead!
Today we have the cover reveal for J. Nell Brown’s Orphan Dreamer and the Missing Arrowhead! Check it out and pre-order your copy today!
Title: Orphan Dreamer and the Missing Arrowhead
Author: J. Nell Brown
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 23rd
About Orphan Dreamer and the Missing Arrowhead:
One boy.
One girl.
One mission: to protect their home—Earth—from its previous occupants. Where will you live if these two kids fail? Daniela and Cillian were born on the same day, but an ocean separated them until destiny introduced an orphan boy to a depressive schizophrenic girl inside her chaotic dreams.
Is the orphan boy real? If he’s not real, does it matter to Earth’s survival?
Begin the Orphan Dreamer Saga, a transcontinental and fantastical sweeping love story spiced with thrills and comedy where ANNE OF GREEN GABLES meets THE DA VINCI CODE in the WAR ROOM. A twist of fate alters Daniela’s dreams, the destiny of an orphan boy, and the future of humanity in an epic journey that defies time, taking the reader from 1018 B.C. into a future of “what if’s.”
What if Indiana Jones were a naïve girl born into a close-knit family in the South—a girl destined to solve her own Da Vinci Code, but who would rather simply overcome the provincialism of her community and find her own Anne-of-Green-Gables-style bosom friend?
Meet the Orphan Dreamer, Daniela Rose Cavanaugh—a thirteen-year-old ordinary girl destined for the extraordinary—in the prequel to the Orphan Dreamer Saga, ORPHAN DREAMER AND THE MISSING ARROWHEAD.
Pre-Order Your Copy Today:
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Exclusive Excerpt:
I killed him.
After my thirteenth birthday, I murdered my best friend—my only friend—Ethan.
We should have stayed in Gibeah, but I insisted we return to Milweekee Middle School, a prison whose inmates dressed in Keds tennis shoes and OshKosh jeans. Armed with acne, attitude, and squeaky prepubescent voices, my classmates lived to torture Ethan—the one-legged cripple— and me, his nosebleeding friend with the bushy hair.
“By helping him die, you saved Ethan,” my parents told me. Don’t worry. Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh of 7112 S.E. 221st Avenue are not sociopaths; they are as normal as parents are allowed to be. Their sympathetic words soothed me, stopping their only child—me—from killing herself too.
About the Author:
J. Nell Brown is an involuntary insomniac who practices medicine and writes in her free time. She writes fiction that paints a human likeness upon the faceless and gifts a voice to the voiceless. Brown is a self-proclaimed nerd and loves all things scientific. Her love of science is reflected in her research at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the site for the development of the atomic bomb. She loves world travel, healthy food, hiking and dogs, especially Faith, her Maltese.
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Enter J. Nell’s Giveway:
I want someone to be obsessed with me. With the way I say a certain word. With the way I put emotions in words. With the way I get involved in books. With the way I keep thinking about something someone said some years ago. With the way I cannot keep my hair tied up […]
A little late but here it goes – Sour #CoverReveal and #Preorder Details
Today we have the cover reveal of SOUR by Jennifer Woodhull! Check it out and grab your copy now!
Title: SOUR
Author: Jennifer Woodhull
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: June 4th
About SOUR:
Tall, handsome, and eternally optimistic Noah has dated a string of gorgeous women. His best friend Elle has outlasted them all. Of course, he has no idea she’s been in love with him for years. Why would he? It’s not like she’s going to tell him. After all, she’s short and awkward, and as he’s fond of reminding her, has a sour disposition.
When Elle takes off on her annual ten-day vacation with her family, Noah comes to a startling realization. She’s the woman who is by his side day in and day out, whose office is across the hall, and whose house is around the corner. She has called him on his shit when he gets too cocky, and he has held her in her arms when her heart was broken. Absence must make the heart grow fonder because while she’s in Germany with her parents, he realizes that everything he has ever wanted was right there all along. Now he’s on a mission to make her realize that romance won’t ruin their friendship, but platonic friendship is ruining their relationship.
Pre-order Today:
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Exclusive Excerpt:
I walk down the hall, and turn the corner into my room to find, to my shock and dismay, a wall of dripping wet muscle standing at the foot of my bed, toweling himself off.
I gasp, clutching my palm to the bare spot on my chest between the cups of my bra—thankfully, a t-shirt model that offers at least a little coverage. Hearing me, he turns, holding the towel just so that the most critical information is unavailable.
“Hey, you’re home!”
Noah takes three long strides toward me and leans forward to hug me. I put my palm out and it lands firmly in the middle of his perfect, muscular chest.
“You’re naked! You can’t hug me naked! It’s weird!” I exclaim.
“You’re naked too!” He argues, wrapping the towel around his waist and folding it into a not-very-secure-looking knot at the side.
I silently will the knot to fail and expose the only bit of Noah Adler that I’ve never seen, but sadly I still have not developed telekinetic powers, so nothing happens.
“There, better?” He asks, palms up.
He doesn’t give me a chance to answer and instead wraps thick, muscular forearms and defined biceps around me as he pulls me into his sculpted torso.
“I missed you!” He says, laying his cheek against the top of my head.
I wrap my arms around his midsection and look up as I give him a squeeze, carefully jutting my ass out so my belly doesn’t make contact with what I imagine is a sizable and delicious member beneath the towel he’s barely wearing.
“I missed you too. You should’ve come with us,” I say, closing my eyes as I do a happy dance on the inside because he came to see me after all.
“I’m not a Bailey. No Bailey family adventures for me,” he laughs. “But I am going to need you to tell me every detail, Ariel.”
I squirm away from him. “Well, that didn’t take long. I’m over missing you now.”
About the Author:
We all need moments of escape. With all the demands on us day in and day out, we each need something just for ourselves. Perhaps nothing provides a private moment – a brief respite from every day – like escaping into a great story. When you pick up one of my books I hope you find that place that you can escape to. Explore the streets of Paris with new heroines or fly around the world to reclaim your lost love with a favorite hero. Whether it’s the romance that takes your breath away or those climactic encounters that make your pulse race, I hope you find that solitary moment of enjoyment while lost in one of my stories.
Connect with Jennifer:
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Enter Jennifer’s Giveaway:
Moonlighting Scrivener 